MODULE DESCRIPTION:

This module provides an introduction to the operation of the Irish political system. It provides information about the system and also introduces you to some of the debates about how the system works.

SYLLABUS:

Course Outline

1. Understanding Irish Politics; the origins of the Irish state and its impact on modern Irish politics, citizens and the political system

2. Irish Constitutional development,  Bunreacht na hÉireann and its impact on modern political life; judicial review and the importance of the courts in Irish politics

3. The Irish Party system; placing Irish parties in a comparative setting; developments in Irish party politics

4. Elections and voting behaviour in Ireland; the voting system, how people make up their mind, floating voters,
how parties campaign

5. The institutions of Irish government; Dáil Éireann: its role and how it operates, the role of TDs, Seanad Eireann, the Presidency

6. The Government; cabinet government, making governments, appointment of ministers, functions of government, civil service

7. Public policy and interest groups; who influences policy, social partnership and interest groups, IFA, ICTU, IBEC, corruption in Irish politcs

8. Social and moral questions in Irish politics; the politics of morality and referenda.

9     Ireland in a wider world: Northern Ireland and the British dimension - the origins of the conflict, the principal actors
the peace process.

10   Ireland in a wider world: Europe and the international dimension - the dynamic of European integration, the EU’s impact on Irish politics, neutrality

11.    An evaluation of Irish Governance
 

RECOMMENDED TEXT:

It is highly recommended that you buy a copy of the following text as it provides a clear introduction to many of the topics studied in the module. It is available in the university bookshop.

More detailed reading lists for the topics on the syllabus will be handed out in due course.
 

WWW SOURCES:

1.) You will find useful, up-to-date information on political institutions at the Irish government website.
Irish Government home page

You can download the current edition of the Irish Constitution here

2.) There are various party political websites. These often contain history, election results and policy statements.
 

3.)    In addition, there are also sites for the major sectional interest groups
Irish Congress of Trades Unions (ICTU)
The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC)
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
 

4.) You can keep up with the news at:

ASSESSMENT:

You are required to complete one coursework essay and to sit one exam. The exam is worth 70% and the assignment 30% . The coursework essay must be chosen from the list of titles below or alternatively you may choose your own title as long as you discuss it with me in the first instance; it should be no more that 1500 words in length; it should include a full list of references and a bibliography; and it must be handed in by the end of week 10.  The essay must be all your own work and plagiarism (copying from texts or another person’s essay) will be penalised by a mark of zero being recorded.

The final exam will be held in January 2004. It will last for two hours and you will be required to answer two questions from a choice of six.

COURSEWORK ESSAY QUESTIONS: